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A smattering of Chinese food.
Moon Palace Express is one of Chicago’s stalwarts.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Chicago’s Essential Chinese Restaurants

Explore the various regional flavors of China

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new
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Moon Palace Express is one of Chicago’s stalwarts.
| Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new

From hot pot, to dim sum, to barbecue, a wide variety of Chinese restaurants contribute to Chicago’s culinary world. It’s also good news that quality options have never been limited to Chinatown, which has also been transforming in recent years with new additions and expanding past neighborhood borders to Pilsen and Bridgeport. Diversity is in full display with these 20 spots.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Sun Wah BBQ

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Guests are greeted by the sight of hanging meats like barbecued pork and salt-baked chicken at this beloved Uptown eatery. But the main attraction here is the Peking duck feast. A whole roasted duck is carved tableside and served with steamed bao, garnishes, and hoisin sauce. The remains are then used to make duck soup and fried rice. Call ahead to reserve the duck; alcohol is BYO. They are a James Beard Award winner.

5039 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
(773) 769-1254
Three duck baos on a plate.
Sun Wah is renowned for its Peking duck.
Sun Wah BBQ [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Furama

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There are many places to get dim sum in Chicago but very few are still doing it like Furama. On weekends, servers push carts of food around the room for guests to choose from. The iconic dining experience features baskets of shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, and more. Click here for orders to go.

4936 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-1161
(773) 271-1161

Also featured in:

Friendship Chinese

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Friendship’s menu isn’t as long as many Chinese-American menus. They’ve curated the selections with an emphasis on quality ingredients served with Western-style plating. Don’t take that as being snobbish or overpriced. Friendship, as the name implies, is a welcoming place for top-notch noodles, dumplings, and other Cantonese greats. Logan Square is lucky to have such wizardry.

2830 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-0970
(773) 227-0970

Also featured in:

D Cuisine

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The North Side is a relative dim sum desert but this Lincoln Park space gives Chicagoans a reason to venture outside of Chinatown for their fill of buns and dumplings. D Cuisine makes its dim sum in-house and offers a full lineup all day long. Munch on classics like siu mai, chicken feet, and congee or go with the Guangzhou-style roasted chicken for an impeccable large course. Online orders can be placed here.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239
A variety of dim sum spread out on a table.
D Cuisine provides the North Side with another dim sum option.
D Cuisine [Official Photo]

Chengdu Impression

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Set taste buds on fire with copious amounts of chilis and peppercorns. Lincoln Park’s Sichuan expert satisfies mala — the province’s famous mouth-numbing flavor — cravings with choices like mapo tofu, dandan noodles, and dry chili chicken. They provide warming comfort during the cold season and leave a lasting impression. Online ordering is done here. There are also locations in Edgewater and Wicker Park.

2545 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-6256
(773) 477-6256
A plate of dry chili chicken.
Clear the sinuses with Chengdu Impression’s dry chili chicken.
Chengdu Impression [Official Photo]

Lao Peng You

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Brothers Daniel and Eric Wat opened this small West Town restaurant in late 2019 and quickly earned recognition for their handmade specialties. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and family recipes, the two have created exceptional dumplings swimming in hot and sour broth and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups. Be sure to save some room for the lamb-cumin flatbread too. Lao Peng You currently accepts orders for pickup and lunch delivery.

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624
A circular plated filled with Chinese dumplings.
Lao Peng You’s fresh dumplings arrive in a hot and sour broth.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville

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Chicago doesn’t have as many hand-pulled noodle shops as a city this large would have diners to expect. But in Streeterville, a minichain, Shang Noodle, satiates those starchy cravings. It’s from the owners for Niu, a popular sushi spot, the noodle soups, headlined by Taiwanese beef, are great on cold days. The chow fun is also a great dish.

215 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 285-2218
(312) 285-2218

Also featured in:

Xi'an Cuisine

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With locations in Chinatown and West Loop, Xi’an Cuisine is not just about the menu, but the talent in the kitchen to properly execute it. That means dishes that are fried are crispy and not scorched. Sauces are seasoned appropriately and chicken isn’t served overcooked and stringy. There’s both a more traditional X’ian menu section with noodles and an American Chinese section. Curiously, there’s a special stir-fried beef dish called the Moshe Moshe, named after the True West Loop Facebook group moderator. It’s a crispy, sweet, and savory mix and worth ordering. Ownership says it’s more labor-intensive than other dishes, hence the extra few dollars. It’s worth it.

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 624-8852
(312) 624-8852

Also featured in:

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

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Arguably the finest dumplings in Chicago can be had in Chinatown. QXY specializes in soup dumplings filled with everything from pork and lamb to premium ingredients like lobster and sea urchin. Barbecue skewers are popular as well. Click here to order.

2002 S Wentworth Ave #103, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 799-1118
(312) 799-1118
Dumplings, side dishes, a teapot, utensils, and more laid out on a table.
Diners have a seemingly endless amount of dumpling options at QXY.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

BBQ King House

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Devour a variety of meats at this Chinese barbecue house. The popular Beijing duck dinner feeds three to four people and comes with additional courses like fried shrimp and duck bone soup. Other menu highlights include soy sauce chicken, barbecued pork, and roasted pork.

2148 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-1219
(312) 326-1219

Also featured in:

Phoenix Restaurant

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Considered by some to be Chinatown’s premier restaurant, Phoenix has it all. The neighborhood stalwart treats diners to dim sum served from pushcarts and multi-course, family-style meals consisting of all of the essential Cantonese dishes. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0848
(312) 328-0848
Phoenix is one of Chicago’s most traditional dim sum experiences.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

MingHin Cuisine

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Now with six locations, MingHin is one of Chicagoland’s most well-known Chinese restaurants. Dim sum is always solid and served all day, while the dinner menu boasts intriguing delicacies like braised bird’s nest soup and seared foie gras. Pro tip: The Macau-style roasted pork belly is a must-order. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed here.

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
(312) 808-1999

Also featured in:

Moon Palace Express/Nine Bar

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Moon Palace Express is a family-owned takeout specialist that was recently revamped. In the back, they’ve added Nine Bar, Chinatown’s only cocktail bar, a sleek lounge with a tremendous bar bite menu. The 1-2 punch of Moon Palace’s kung pao chicken and Nine Bar’s fun drinks and items like a pork katsu sandwich is tough to beat.

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-4081
(312) 225-4081
A close-up of a pack of 2 egg rolls and sweet and sour sauce.
Moon Palace Express delivers great egg rolls.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Golden Bull

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Tucked away on a quieter section of Cermak Road, Golden Bull delivers no-frills homestyle cooking. Pan-seared beef and enormous steamed oysters are terrific, and those in need of late-night sustenance will find salvation in the rice casseroles. Order here.

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1668
(312) 808-1668
A pot of rice casserole.
The rice casseroles are Golden Bull’s signature dish.
Golden Bull [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

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On the ground floor of 88 Marketplace, a location of the largest hot pot chain in China is thriving. Haidilao is a high-end restaurant that’s always bustling on weekends. The occasional robot will bring out ingredients like wagyu. The dancing noodles, pulled table side, are a highlight. 

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

Also featured in:

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Dolo Restaurant and Bar

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Highly regarded for its made-to-order dim sum and fresh seafood, Dolo is an essential dining destination. Stop in during the day for shareable buns and dumplings or dine at night and enjoy Cantonese staples and Cajun-style boils. As an added bonus, customers don’t have to worry about finding parking since there’s a private lot. Order carryout and delivery through Dolo’s website.

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 877-5117
(312) 877-5117

Also featured in:

Slurp Slurp Noodles

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Noodles are on virtually every Chinese menu but very few do it like this specialist. The kitchen hand pulls and shaves its noodles in-house and offers them in soup or stir fried. The homey dish is rounded out with protein options that include beef spare ribs, pork belly, brisket, lamb, seafood, some offal cuts, and more. Orders can be placed here.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp Slurp makes its noodles from scratch every day.
Slurp Slurp Noodles [Official Photo]

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

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Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery is home to a world of sweet and savory delights. Fill a box up with barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, sesame balls, cookies, cakes, and much more. The budget-friendly menu also features dim sum items.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
A close up of egg tarts.
Chi Quon is the city’s oldest Chinese bakery.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Da Mao Jia

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Diners may be familiar with Sichuan cuisine but Da Mao Jia explores new territory, focusing on the street food of Chengdu. There’s an exciting selection of offal bites alongside regional dishes like spare ribs, Zhong dumplings, handmade sweet and spicy noodles, and diced rabbit. Just be ready for the bold and spicy flavors to pack a punch. Place orders for pickup and delivery here.

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2088
(312) 929-2088

Also featured in:

Jade Court

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When Jade Court opened back in 2016, former Tribune critic Phil Vettel deemed it among the city’s best Chinese restaurants. The Cantonese spot shuttered in 2019 after owner Eddy Cheung passed away, but his daughter Carol revived it last fall at a new space in Hyde Park. The menu still features skillfully executed favorites like a Beijing duck feast and lobster and Dungeness crab prepared in various styles. Place carryout and delivery orders here.

1516 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 966-4106
(773) 966-4106

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Sun Wah BBQ

5039 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640

Guests are greeted by the sight of hanging meats like barbecued pork and salt-baked chicken at this beloved Uptown eatery. But the main attraction here is the Peking duck feast. A whole roasted duck is carved tableside and served with steamed bao, garnishes, and hoisin sauce. The remains are then used to make duck soup and fried rice. Call ahead to reserve the duck; alcohol is BYO. They are a James Beard Award winner.

5039 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
(773) 769-1254
Three duck baos on a plate.
Sun Wah is renowned for its Peking duck.
Sun Wah BBQ [Official Photo]

Furama

4936 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640

There are many places to get dim sum in Chicago but very few are still doing it like Furama. On weekends, servers push carts of food around the room for guests to choose from. The iconic dining experience features baskets of shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, and more. Click here for orders to go.

4936 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-1161
(773) 271-1161

Friendship Chinese

2830 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Friendship’s menu isn’t as long as many Chinese-American menus. They’ve curated the selections with an emphasis on quality ingredients served with Western-style plating. Don’t take that as being snobbish or overpriced. Friendship, as the name implies, is a welcoming place for top-notch noodles, dumplings, and other Cantonese greats. Logan Square is lucky to have such wizardry.

2830 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-0970
(773) 227-0970

D Cuisine

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

The North Side is a relative dim sum desert but this Lincoln Park space gives Chicagoans a reason to venture outside of Chinatown for their fill of buns and dumplings. D Cuisine makes its dim sum in-house and offers a full lineup all day long. Munch on classics like siu mai, chicken feet, and congee or go with the Guangzhou-style roasted chicken for an impeccable large course. Online orders can be placed here.

2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 360-7239
(773) 360-7239
A variety of dim sum spread out on a table.
D Cuisine provides the North Side with another dim sum option.
D Cuisine [Official Photo]

Chengdu Impression

2545 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Set taste buds on fire with copious amounts of chilis and peppercorns. Lincoln Park’s Sichuan expert satisfies mala — the province’s famous mouth-numbing flavor — cravings with choices like mapo tofu, dandan noodles, and dry chili chicken. They provide warming comfort during the cold season and leave a lasting impression. Online ordering is done here. There are also locations in Edgewater and Wicker Park.

2545 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-6256
(773) 477-6256
A plate of dry chili chicken.
Clear the sinuses with Chengdu Impression’s dry chili chicken.
Chengdu Impression [Official Photo]

Lao Peng You

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Brothers Daniel and Eric Wat opened this small West Town restaurant in late 2019 and quickly earned recognition for their handmade specialties. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and family recipes, the two have created exceptional dumplings swimming in hot and sour broth and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups. Be sure to save some room for the lamb-cumin flatbread too. Lao Peng You currently accepts orders for pickup and lunch delivery.

2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8624
(872) 206-8624
A circular plated filled with Chinese dumplings.
Lao Peng You’s fresh dumplings arrive in a hot and sour broth.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville

215 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago doesn’t have as many hand-pulled noodle shops as a city this large would have diners to expect. But in Streeterville, a minichain, Shang Noodle, satiates those starchy cravings. It’s from the owners for Niu, a popular sushi spot, the noodle soups, headlined by Taiwanese beef, are great on cold days. The chow fun is also a great dish.

215 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 285-2218
(312) 285-2218

Xi'an Cuisine

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

With locations in Chinatown and West Loop, Xi’an Cuisine is not just about the menu, but the talent in the kitchen to properly execute it. That means dishes that are fried are crispy and not scorched. Sauces are seasoned appropriately and chicken isn’t served overcooked and stringy. There’s both a more traditional X’ian menu section with noodles and an American Chinese section. Curiously, there’s a special stir-fried beef dish called the Moshe Moshe, named after the True West Loop Facebook group moderator. It’s a crispy, sweet, and savory mix and worth ordering. Ownership says it’s more labor-intensive than other dishes, hence the extra few dollars. It’s worth it.

769 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 624-8852
(312) 624-8852

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

2002 S Wentworth Ave #103, Chicago, IL 60616

Arguably the finest dumplings in Chicago can be had in Chinatown. QXY specializes in soup dumplings filled with everything from pork and lamb to premium ingredients like lobster and sea urchin. Barbecue skewers are popular as well. Click here to order.

2002 S Wentworth Ave #103, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 799-1118
(312) 799-1118
Dumplings, side dishes, a teapot, utensils, and more laid out on a table.
Diners have a seemingly endless amount of dumpling options at QXY.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings [Official Photo]

BBQ King House

2148 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Devour a variety of meats at this Chinese barbecue house. The popular Beijing duck dinner feeds three to four people and comes with additional courses like fried shrimp and duck bone soup. Other menu highlights include soy sauce chicken, barbecued pork, and roasted pork.

2148 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-1219
(312) 326-1219

Phoenix Restaurant

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Considered by some to be Chinatown’s premier restaurant, Phoenix has it all. The neighborhood stalwart treats diners to dim sum served from pushcarts and multi-course, family-style meals consisting of all of the essential Cantonese dishes. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed online.

2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 328-0848
(312) 328-0848
Phoenix is one of Chicago’s most traditional dim sum experiences.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

MingHin Cuisine

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Now with six locations, MingHin is one of Chicagoland’s most well-known Chinese restaurants. Dim sum is always solid and served all day, while the dinner menu boasts intriguing delicacies like braised bird’s nest soup and seared foie gras. Pro tip: The Macau-style roasted pork belly is a must-order. Carryout and delivery orders can be placed here.

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1999
(312) 808-1999

Moon Palace Express/Nine Bar

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Moon Palace Express is a family-owned takeout specialist that was recently revamped. In the back, they’ve added Nine Bar, Chinatown’s only cocktail bar, a sleek lounge with a tremendous bar bite menu. The 1-2 punch of Moon Palace’s kung pao chicken and Nine Bar’s fun drinks and items like a pork katsu sandwich is tough to beat.

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-4081
(312) 225-4081
A close-up of a pack of 2 egg rolls and sweet and sour sauce.
Moon Palace Express delivers great egg rolls.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Golden Bull

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Tucked away on a quieter section of Cermak Road, Golden Bull delivers no-frills homestyle cooking. Pan-seared beef and enormous steamed oysters are terrific, and those in need of late-night sustenance will find salvation in the rice casseroles. Order here.

242 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1668
(312) 808-1668
A pot of rice casserole.
The rice casseroles are Golden Bull’s signature dish.
Golden Bull [Official Photo]

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

On the ground floor of 88 Marketplace, a location of the largest hot pot chain in China is thriving. Haidilao is a high-end restaurant that’s always bustling on weekends. The occasional robot will bring out ingredients like wagyu. The dancing noodles, pulled table side, are a highlight. 

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

Related Maps

Dolo Restaurant and Bar

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Highly regarded for its made-to-order dim sum and fresh seafood, Dolo is an essential dining destination. Stop in during the day for shareable buns and dumplings or dine at night and enjoy Cantonese staples and Cajun-style boils. As an added bonus, customers don’t have to worry about finding parking since there’s a private lot. Order carryout and delivery through Dolo’s website.

2222 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 877-5117
(312) 877-5117

Slurp Slurp Noodles

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Noodles are on virtually every Chinese menu but very few do it like this specialist. The kitchen hand pulls and shaves its noodles in-house and offers them in soup or stir fried. The homey dish is rounded out with protein options that include beef spare ribs, pork belly, brisket, lamb, seafood, some offal cuts, and more. Orders can be placed here.

2247 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 982-2969
(312) 982-2969
A bowl of noodle soup.
Slurp Slurp makes its noodles from scratch every day.
Slurp Slurp Noodles [Official Photo]

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery is home to a world of sweet and savory delights. Fill a box up with barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, sesame balls, cookies, cakes, and much more. The budget-friendly menu also features dim sum items.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
A close up of egg tarts.
Chi Quon is the city’s oldest Chinese bakery.
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Da Mao Jia

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608

Diners may be familiar with Sichuan cuisine but Da Mao Jia explores new territory, focusing on the street food of Chengdu. There’s an exciting selection of offal bites alongside regional dishes like spare ribs, Zhong dumplings, handmade sweet and spicy noodles, and diced rabbit. Just be ready for the bold and spicy flavors to pack a punch. Place orders for pickup and delivery here.

2621 S Halsted St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2088
(312) 929-2088

Jade Court

1516 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615

When Jade Court opened back in 2016, former Tribune critic Phil Vettel deemed it among the city’s best Chinese restaurants. The Cantonese spot shuttered in 2019 after owner Eddy Cheung passed away, but his daughter Carol revived it last fall at a new space in Hyde Park. The menu still features skillfully executed favorites like a Beijing duck feast and lobster and Dungeness crab prepared in various styles. Place carryout and delivery orders here.

1516 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 966-4106
(773) 966-4106

Related Maps